Ethereum Consensus Clients Explained: Simple Guide

A consensus client is the software at the heart of Ethereum’s proof of stake network. If you’ve ever wondered how 'ethereum consensus' works, or what a consensus client does, you’re in the right place. The switch to proof of stake made consensus clients more crucial than ever for the security and functionality of Ethereum. In this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn the basics of consensus, the difference between client types, how staking works, how to choose and set up a client, and why your choice matters. We'll also show how OKX makes staking safe and easy.

What Is Ethereum Consensus?

Ethereum consensus is the mechanism by which all computers (nodes) in the Ethereum network agree on the current status of transactions and account balances. In any blockchain network, consensus ensures that everyone follows the same rules, confirming that no one can spend the same coins twice or rewrite history.

Originally, Ethereum used Proof of Work (PoW), where miners competed to solve puzzles and add blocks. Today, it's powered by Proof of Stake (PoS), a more energy-efficient system where selected validators, not miners, create new blocks and confirm transactions. This upgrade greatly reduced Ethereum's environmental footprint and improved scalability.

After the Merge, Ethereum now uses two distinct client types—consensus and execution. Consensus clients handle agreeing on the state of the Beacon Chain (the spine of PoS), while execution clients run smart contracts and process transactions.

OKX Learn has in-depth resources on blockchain fundamentals if you want to dive deeper.

How Does Proof of Stake Work in Ethereum?

In Ethereum’s PoS network, validators are chosen to propose and attest to new blocks. They deposit (stake) ETH...